The Bloc Québécois has selected former World Uyghur Congress vice-president Zumretay Arkin to run in the upcoming federal byelection for the Montreal riding of Laurier—Sainte-Marie, setting up a multi-party contest to replace former Liberal minister Steven Guilbeault.
Party leader Yves-François Blanchet announced the candidacy of Zumretay Arkin during a Sunday morning press briefing at Place Vauquelin in Montreal. Arkin, who previously served as vice-president of the World Uyghur Congress, enters a riding that holds deep historical significance for the Bloc Québécois.
The seat has remained vacant since the departure of former Liberal MP and minister Steven Guilbeault. Canada’s Chief Electoral Officer, Stéphane Perrault, received formal notice of the vacancy on August 31, though the federal government has not yet officially called the special election.
Candidates Line Up for Upcoming Federal Byelections
During the last elections in 2025, the former Liberal minister won with 52.1 per cent of the vote. Nimâ Machouf finished at 18.8 per cent, while Bloc Québécois candidate Emmanuel Lapierre took 15.4 per cent.
Conservative candidate Mathieu Fournier secured 9.2 per cent of the votes.
Quebec Ridings Prepare for Vacancy Votes
Two other Quebec ridings are also set for uncalled byelections alongside Laurier—Sainte-Marie.
The Bloc Québécois has tapped Alexandre Curzi to carry its banner. Curzi is executive director of the Union des artistes.
He runs against Liberal candidate Jean-Sébastien Vallée. Vallée is a human rights activist who had already run in the 2025 general elections.
Meanwhile, the NDP will attempt to retain its only Quebec riding with Pierre Céré. Céré has long served as coordinator of the Montreal Unemployment Committee.
This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews, which adds CityNews Montreal as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from the outlet.